Graeme Townshend is currently the Player Development Coordinator for the NHL’s San Jose Sharks (one of only 3 in the NHL). His primary responsibility is to prepare all Sharks players and prospects with the skills required for the “new” NHL, most notably, enhancing their skating skills. Every player in the Sharks organization is trained under Townshend’s watchful eye, including MVP Joe Thornton and Maurice Rocket Richard (NHL’s leading goal scorer) Trophy winner, Jonathan Cheechoo.

Graeme is currently the only skating and skills coach in the world who has played, coached and taught at every level of hockey. From youth hockey to the Canadian Junior Hockey ranks and NCAA Division I as well as European and ultimately, the NHL, Mr. Townshend has the experience to know what truly works and what does not work.

Graeme states, "One of my most frustrating experiences was being taught in college by a guy with a figure skating background who had no idea of the challenges I was facing on the ice. I've seen some things being taught (that really do not work) by other nationally known instructors who have absolutely no practical playing experience."

Indeed, Graeme has successfully translated his broad range of exposure to coaching and playing into a highly successful approach to skill development. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Graeme moved to Toronto at the age of three. After playing for one year of Junior hockey for the Mimico Monarchs of the O.H.A Central Jr. B, Graeme became the number two recruited player in North America, turning down offers from 14 schools, including Michigan, Michigan State and Cornell, to accept a full scholarship from the number one ranked and defending NCAA Division I Frozen Four Champion, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). As captain at RPI, Townshend, originally recruited as a forward, led all RPI defensemen in scoring and was one of the top scoring defensemen in the ECACHL as a Junior. After scoring 22 points in his senior year, Townshend signed with the Boston Bruins in the NHL then went on to play at least of five seasons with the Bruins, N.Y. Islanders and Ottawa Senators. In total, Graeme played 686 professional games, scoring 227 goals and 208 assists for 435 points while playing in the NHL, AHL, IHL and WPHL.

Upon retiring from competitive play, Townshend went on to coach for three years professionally in Macon, GA and Greensboro, NC. During his 13 professional years of experience, Townshend also owned and operated the nationally acclaimed GTP Hockey Schools, with specialty camps in N.Y., Maine, Texas, Alaska, Colorado and Alberta. Notably, many of Graeme’s students went onto play NCAA Hockey. Some of his students include former University of Maine and NHLer’s Peter and Chris Ferraro, Boston Bruins Defensemen Matt Lashoff and Paul Mara, just to name a few.

Townshend was recently inducted into the Canadian Black Hockey Hall of Fame in August of 2006, along with the likes of Anson Carter and Herb Carnegie and Willie O’Ree.

The Ultimate Skating Program

National Hockey Development is the leading skating instructional program for hockey players of all ages and abilities. Founded by former NHL player, Graeme Townshend, NHD is committed to providing a level of instruction that you will not find anywhere else.

Graeme is currently the skating instructor for the San Jose Sharks, but maintains a passion for developing young athletes, and has developed a curriculum that will ensure each individual skater will learn the techniques to make them a better skater.

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Video of Graeme's Clinic in Action